New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani discussed his relationship with former President Donald Trump in a Rolling Stone interview published Tuesday, July 22, 2026. Mamdani revealed that while he and Trump share a mutual love for New York City, they remain sharply divided on immigration enforcement, particularly regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Mamdani recalled a surprisingly cordial meeting with Trump at the White House early in his mayoral tenure, which a Rolling Stone interviewer described as "one of the most striking parts" of his early time in office and noted it went well for both men. Mamdani characterized their relationship as "honest" and "direct," emphasizing that despite many disagreements, their shared affection for New York City is a common ground.

Addressing ICE, Mamdani stated, "I've spoken to him directly about how I think of ICE as a cruel agency that does nothing to serve the interests of public safety. And I've spoken about how I think that ICE should be abolished. We should have an immigration system that has humanity at the heart of it."

The interview also touched on recent controversies involving ICE raids in major U.S. cities, with questions about whether Mamdani tries to maintain a good rapport with Trump to avoid similar actions in New York. Mamdani affirmed the need for honesty in their interactions, especially on points of disagreement.

The meeting and Mamdani's comments highlight a complex dynamic between the two political figures, balancing personal rapport with fundamental policy differences.

Sources